the marriage service service (rite 2... · 2017-11-17 · the giving and receiving of ring(s) the...

THE MARRIAGE SERVICE

(RITE II)

(Adopted by the Seventh General Synod of

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui as the authorized rite)

The Marriage Service (Rite II) Adopted by the Seventh General Synod of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui in 2016

as the authorized rite.

Publisher: Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

16/F., Tung Wai Commercial Building,

109-111 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2526 5355

Fax: (852) 2521 2199

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.hkskh.org

Religious Education Resource Centre Co-production

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible,

copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches

of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

January 2017 First Edition

All Rights Reserved

Updated by 14 November 2017

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.hkskh.org/

Content

The Marriage Service (Rite II) within a Celebration of Holy

Communion ......................................................................................... 1

The Marriage Service (Rite II) without a Celebration of Holy

Communion ......................................................................................... 21

Appendix (I)：Readings for Marriage Service (Rite II) .................... 36

Appendix (II)：Hymns for Marriage Service .................................... 50


(RITE II)

WITHIN

A CELEBRATION

OF

HOLY COMMUNION

2

THE GATHERING

THE WELCOME All sit.

Presider Dear friends and relatives, and brothers and sisters in Christ,

We have come together in the presence of God to witness the

marriage of _______ and _______.

Marriage is a joyful and solemn moment of life which, for

the couple, signifies a new beginning of life. It is also an

important and decisive moment in which they seal their

dreams and expectations of living together.

As Christians, we strongly believe that it is a day warmly

blessed by Christ Jesus who was himself a guest at a wedding

in Cana of Galilee where he performed his first miracle by

turning the water into wine that symbolically brought joy to

a new family and his everlasting blessing on the newly

married couple.

It is written in the Scriptures that “Love is patient; love is

kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It

does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)(NRSV)

Now shall we welcome them, to celebrate their love, to share

the joy with them and their families, and to pray for God’s

blessing on them.

The Presider shall invite the congregation to stand and welcome the bridal

parties who are about to enter the church.

3

THE ENTRY All stand.

Option 1: An acolyte shall lead the couple’s families to enter the church, first

the bride’s family members, then the bridegroom’s family members.

If there is a best man and the maid of honor, they follow, the best man

at the right, and the maid of honor at the left. Finally the bride and

the bridegroom shall enter the church when a hymn or an anthem is

sung by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music is

to be played at this moment.



The best man (if there is any) shall accompany the bridegroom to

enter the church. An elder member from the bride’s family shall then

accompany the bride to enter the church. A hymn or an anthem is sung

by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music is to be

played at this moment.

Option 3: The couple’s families are already seated at the church, and the

bridegroom with his best man (if any) stand in front of the sanctuary

or the chancel. Facing the church door, the bridegroom waits for the

entering of the bride. An elder member from the bride’s family shall

then accompany the bride to enter the church. A hymn or an anthem

is sung by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music

is to be played at this moment.

THE GREETING

Presider The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the

fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

People And also with you.

or

Presider God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and

God abides in them. (1 John 4:16) (NRSV)

HYMN A hymn may be sung.

4

INTRODUCTION

Presider We are happy to be here to celebrate the marriage of _______

and _______. We believe in our Christian faith that marriage

is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife

may know the grace of God. It is given that as man and

woman grow together in love and trust, they shall be united

with one another in heart, body and mind, as Christ is united

with his bride, the Church.

The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together in the

delight and tenderness of sexual union and joyful commitment

to the end of their lives.

It is given as the foundation of family life in which children

are born and nurtured and in which each member of the family,

in good times and in bad, may find strength, companionship

and comfort, and grow to maturity in love.

In marriage, they are linked to each other’s families, and they

begin a new life together in the community.

So no one should enter into it lightly or selfishly but reverently

and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.

_______ and _______ are now to enter this way of life. They

will each give their consent to the other and make solemn vows,

and in token of this they will each give and receive a ring.

We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide and

strengthen them, that they may fulfill God’s purposes for the

whole of their earthly life together.

5

COLLECT

Presider Let us pray.

Most gracious God, you have created us in your image and

have blessed creation with abundant life. Pour out your

blessings upon _______ and _______, that they may be

joined in mutual love and companionship, in holiness and

commitment to each other, and in a Christian way build up

their family. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your

Son, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy

Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People Amen.

All sit for the readings.

6

MINISTRY OF THE WORD

READINGS

At least two readings from the Bible are used. One of which should be from the New

Testament. Readings may be found in the Appendix (I).

A psalm or hymn may be read or sung between the readings. Choral singing is also

appropriate, or a period of silence to be observed after each reading.

Readers may be church members, or family members or friends of the newly-

married couple who are Christians.

Reader A reading from_______.

After the reading,

Reader This is the word of the Lord.

People Thanks be to God.

If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the

Readings. When the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Priest or Deacon

appointed says:

Priest/Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to

Saint _______.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel,

Priest/Deacon This is the Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

HOMILY All sit.

7

THE MARRIAGE

THE CONSENT

Presider _______and _______, you are about to make vows in the

presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the

secrets of our hearts, and with your family members,

friends and relatives, and the whole congregation as

witnesses. You should know that entering into marriage is

solemn and with grave responsibility, and so you shall state

your intentions.

The Presider says to the bridegroom:

(The Presider may ask the bride first, then the bridegroom. It is suggested that the

newly-married couple may pre-arrange it with the Presider.)

Presider _______, in the presence of God, will you take _______ to

be your wife and be faithful to her as long as you both shall

live?

Bridegroom I will.

The Presider says to the bride:


be your husband and be faithful to him as long as you both

shall live?

Bride I will.

The Presider shall ask the family members of the new couple to stand up and to

give their care and blessing.

Presider Parents (and family members) of _______ and

_______, you have acknowledged their intentions

to be joined together in the marriage covenant in

the presence of God, will you give your care and

blessing, and uphold them in their marriage now

and in the years to come?

Family members We will.

8

The Presider shall ask the relatives and friends, and the congregation to stand up

and to give their support.

Presider You have witnessed their intentions to be joined together

in the marriage covenant in the presence of God. Will you,

the friends and relatives of _______ and _______, support

and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to

come?

People We will.

THE MARRIAGE VOWS People sit.

Presider _______ and _______, I now invite you to join hands and

make your vows, in the presence of God, your parents and

the congregation.

The bridegroom and the bride face each other. The bridegroom takes the bride’s

right hand in his, and says, or to be led by the Presider:

Bridegroom I, _______, take you, _______, to be my wife, to have and

to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for

richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and

to cherish, till death us do part. In the presence of God,

and with our family members and the congregation as

witnesses, I make this vow.

They loose hands. The bride takes the bridegroom’s right hand in hers, and says,

or to be led by the Presider:

Bride I, _______, take you, _______, to be my husband, to have

and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love

and to cherish, till death us do part. In the presence of

God, and with our family members and the congregation

as witnesses, I make this vow.

9

Or, use the following vows: The newly-married couple face each other. The

bridegroom takes the bride’s right hand in his, and says, or to be led by the Presider:




to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s holy

law. In the presence of God, I make this vow.






and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s

holy law. In the presence of God, I make this vow.

They loose hands.

THE GIVING AND RECEIVING OF RING(S) The Presider receives the ring(s), and says this prayer:

Presider O God, by your blessing let this ring (these rings) be to

_______ and _______ a symbol of unending love and

faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant

which they have made this day through Jesus Christ our

Lord.

People Amen.

The bridegroom places the ring on the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand and,

holding it there, says:

Bridegroom _______, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.

With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you,

and all that I have I share with you, within the love of

God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

10

The bride places the ring on the fourth finger of the bridegroom’s left hand and,


Bride _______, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.




THE PROCLAMATION

Presider In the presence of God, and before this congregation,

_______and _______ have given their consent and made

their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their

marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and

receiving of ring(s). I therefore proclaim that they are

husband and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the

Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Presider joins their hands together and says:

Those whom God has joined together let no one put

asunder.

Facing the newly-married couple, the Presider represents the

congregation to say:

May your hearts be united as one.

or the following:

May the grace and peace of God be always with you.

If the face of the bride is still veiled, the bridegroom shall unveil it at this moment.

The Presider invites the congregation to stand to celebrate the couple’s marriage

with applause.

The Presider shall then lead the newly-married couple to proceed into the chancel.

A hymn or psalm may be sung, or the Presider or a person appointed may read a

psalm.

11

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

INTERCESSIONS Either Form 1 or 2 of the intercessory prayers may be used. The Intercessor may be

a church member, or a family member or friend of the newly-married couple who is

a Christian.

All stand. While the people are singing or a person appointed is reading a psalm,

the Presider leads the couple into the sanctuary or the chancel. The couple kneel

before the altar.

Form 1

Intercessor Faithful God, holy and eternal, source of life and spring of

love, we thank and praise you for bringing _______ and

_______ to this day, and we pray for them.

Lord of life and love:

People hear our prayer.

Intercessor May their marriage be life-giving and life-long, enriched

by your presence and strengthened by your grace; may they

bring comfort and confidence to each other in faithfulness

and trust.



Intercessor May the hospitality of their home bring refreshment and

joy to all around them; may their love overflow to

neighbours in need and embrace those in distress.



Intercessor May they discern in your word order and purpose for their

lives; and may the power of your Holy Spirit lead them in

truth and defend them in adversity.



12

Intercessor May they nurture their family with devotion, see their

children grow in body, mind and spirit and come at last to

the end of their lives with hearts content and in joyful

anticipation of heaven.



Form 2

Intercessor Eternal God, look upon _______ and _______ in the new

life which they begin together this day. Keep them faithful

to the vows they have made one to the other. Strengthen

them in whatever difficulties and frustrations they may

encounter. And with your faithfulness and mercy, let your

peace be with them, now and always.

People Amen.

Intercessor Most merciful God, give them devotion in the ordering of

their common life, that each may be to the other a strength

in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow,

and a companion in joy.

People Amen.

Intercessor Righteous God, give them wisdom and knowledge, that in

this ever changing world they may be able to discern truth

from lies and never get lost, and be able to understand and

care for the need of others.

People Amen.

Intercessor God of all creation, may you bless this couple with the

gift and care of children, that their home may be a place

of love, security, and truth, and their children grow up to

know and love you in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

People Amen.

Intercessor Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, uphold their family, give

them grace to minister to others, and grant that by deed

and word they may be witnesses of your saving love to

those whom they live.

People Amen.

13

Intercessor Lord of love, grant that all married persons who have

witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and

their families consolidated.

People Amen.

BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE

Presider Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender

love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born

of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be

the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the

union of man and woman in your Name. By the power of

your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing

upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every

enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each

other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their

shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in

their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping

and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in

their life and in their life after. Finally, in your mercy, bring

them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your

heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with

you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever

and ever.

People Amen.

Presider God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless,

preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the

riches of his grace, that you may please him both in body

and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive

the blessings of eternal life.

People Amen.

14

WORDS OF THANKS TO THE PARENTS The newly-married couple presents their words of thanks to their parents (and

family members). After this, they may present their gifts to their parents.

A hymn or choral singing may follow.

THE REGISTRATION The Bridegroom, the bride, their parents (or witnesses) and the Presider sign the

Certificate of Marriage.

Choral singing is suggested during the Registration period, or a hymn is to be sung

after the Registration.

15

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST

THE PEACE All stand.

Presider We have celebrated the love of _______ and _______.

We now celebrate God’s love for all of us.

Peace, in Christ, be with all of you.


All may exchange a sign of peace.

THE OFFERTORY A hymn may be sung after the Presider says the Offertory Sentence.

At the preparation of the Table, the newly-married couple may present the offerings

of bread and wine.

The Presider concludes the Offertory by saying:

Presider In your goodness, Lord, accept the gift of our love, and

with a father’s affection watch over this couple you have

joined in the covenant of marriage; through Jesus Christ

our Lord.

People Amen.

16

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER All remain standing.

Presider The Lord be with you.


Presider Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

Presider It is right, and a good and joyful thing,

always and everywhere to give thanks to you,

Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

One of the following sentences may be used before the Sanctus:

For in creation, you have brought love into the world, and

on the love which joins man and woman together depends

the foundation of the family.

or:

And now we give you thanks because you have made the

union between Christ and Church a pattern for the

marriage between husband and wife.

Presider Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels

and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who

for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your

Name:

All Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

17

Presider We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love

which you have made known to us in creation; in the

calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken

through the prophets; and above all in the Word made

flesh, Jesus, your Son.

For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from

the Virgin Mary, to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the

world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made

us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought

us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out

of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ

took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he

broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat:

This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the

remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had

given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all

of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is

shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of

me.”

Presider Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

All We remember his death.

We proclaim his resurrection,.

We await his coming in glory.

18

Presider And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to

you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation,

this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to

send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be

the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the

new Covenant.

Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be

acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy

Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection

under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country,

where with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting

heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ

our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the

Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy

Spirit all honour and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now

and for ever.

People Amen.

19

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Presider As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we now pray:

All Our father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your

kingdom come, your will be done, in earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we

forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into

temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the

power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD The Presider breaks the consecrated bread.

Presider We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.

People Though we are many, we are one body,

because we all share in on bread.

The following or some other appropriate anthem may be sung.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.


have mercy on us.


grant us peace.

Facing the people, the Presider says the following Invitation.

Presider The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in

remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in

your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

20

POST COMMUNION THANKSGIVING The following post-Communion thanksgiving prayer may be used:


All Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body

and blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and for perfecting

the marriage life of the new couple. Through him we

offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work

to your praise and glory. Amen.

THE BENEDICTION

Presider May God bless you and keep you; may God make his face

to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may God lift

up his countenance upon you, and give you peace; and the

blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

People Amen.

or:

Presider God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,

defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and

peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the

Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with

you always.

People Amen.

THE DISMISSAL All stand.

Presider Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.


As the newly married couple leaves the church, a hymn may be sung or instrumental

music may be played.


(RITE II)

WITHOUT

A CELEBRATION

OF

HOLY COMMUNION

22

THE GATHERING

THE WELCOME All sit.

Presider Dear friends and relatives, and brothers and sisters in Christ,

We have come together in the presence of God to witness the

marriage of _______ and _______.

Marriage is a joyful and solemn moment of life which, for

the couple, signifies a new beginning of life. It is also an

important and decisive moment in which they seal their

dreams and expectations of living together.

As Christians, we strongly believe that it is a day warmly

blessed by Christ Jesus who was himself a guest at a wedding

in Cana of Galilee where he performed his first miracle by

turning the water into wine that symbolically brought joy to

a new family and his everlasting blessing on the newly

married couple.

It is written in the Scriptures that “Love is patient; love is

kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It

does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)(NRSV)

Now shall we welcome them, to celebrate their love, to share

the joy with them and their families, and to pray for God’s

blessing on them.

The Presider shall invite the congregation to stand and welcome the bridal

parties who are about to enter the church.

23

THE ENTRY All stand.



If there is a best man and the maid of honor, they follow, the best man

at the right, and the maid of honor at the left. Finally the bride and

the bridegroom shall enter the church when a hymn or an anthem is

sung by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music is

to be played at this moment.



The best man (if there is any) shall accompany the bridegroom to

enter the church. An elder member from the bride’s family shall then

accompany the bride to enter the church. A hymn or an anthem is sung

by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music is to be

played at this moment.

Option 3: The couple’s families are already seated at the church, and the

bridegroom with his best man (if any) stand in front of the sanctuary

or the chancel. Facing the church door, the bridegroom waits for the

entering of the bride. An elder member from the bride’s family shall

then accompany the bride to enter the church. A hymn or an anthem

is sung by the people or by the choir, or instrumental wedding music

is to be played at this moment.

THE GREETING

Presider The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the

fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.


or

Presider God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and

God abides in them. (1 John 4:16) (NRSV)

HYMN A hymn may be sung.

24

INTRODUCTION

Presider We are happy to be here to celebrate the marriage of _______

and _______. We believe in our Christian faith that marriage

is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife

may know the grace of God. It is given that as man and

woman grow together in love and trust, they shall be united

with one another in heart, body and mind, as Christ is united

with his bride, the Church.

The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together in the

delight and tenderness of sexual union and joyful commitment

to the end of their lives.

It is given as the foundation of family life in which children

are born and nurtured and in which each member of the family,

in good times and in bad, may find strength, companionship

and comfort, and grow to maturity in love.

In marriage, they are linked to each other’s families, and they

begin a new life together in the community.

So no one should enter into it lightly or selfishly but reverently

and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.

_______ and _______ are now to enter this way of life. They

will each give their consent to the other and make solemn vows,

and in token of this they will each give and receive a ring.

We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide and

strengthen them, that they may fulfill God’s purposes for the

whole of their earthly life together.

25

COLLECT


Most gracious God, you have created us in your image and

have blessed creation with abundant life. Pour out your

blessings upon _______ and _______, that they may be

joined in mutual love and companionship, in holiness and

commitment to each other, and in a Christian way build up

their family. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your

Son, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy

Spirit, one God, now and forever.

People Amen.

All sit for the readings.

26

MINISTRY OF THE WORD

READINGS

At least two readings from the Bible are used. One of which should be from the New

Testament. Readings may be found in the Appendix (I).

A psalm or hymn may be read or sung between the readings. Choral singing is also

appropriate, or a period of silence to be observed after each reading.

Readers may be church members, or family members or friends of the newly-

married couple who are Christians.

Reader A reading from_______.

After the reading,

Reader This is the word of the Lord.


If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the

Readings. When the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Priest or Deacon

appointed says:

Priest/Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to

Saint _______.

People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel,

Priest/Deacon This is the Gospel of the Lord.

People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

HOMILY All sit.

27

THE MARRIAGE

THE CONSENT

Presider _______and _______, you are about to make vows in the

presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the

secrets of our hearts, and with your family members,

friends and relatives, and the whole congregation as

witnesses. You should know that entering into marriage is

solemn and with grave responsibility, and so you shall state

your intentions.

The Presider says to the bridegroom:

(The Presider may ask the bride first, then the bridegroom. It is suggested that the

newly-married couple may pre-arrange it with the Presider.)


be your wife and be faithful to her as long as you both shall

live?

Bridegroom I will.

The Presider says to the bride:


be your husband and be faithful to him as long as you both

shall live?

Bride I will.

The Presider shall ask the family members of the new couple to stand up and to

give their care and blessing.

Presider Parents (and family members) of _______ and

_______, you have acknowledged their intentions

to be joined together in the marriage covenant in

the presence of God, will you give your care and

blessing, and uphold them in their marriage now

and in the years to come?

Family members We will.

28

The Presider shall ask the relatives and friends, and the congregation to stand up

and to give their support.

Presider You have witnessed their intentions to be joined together

in the marriage covenant in the presence of God. Will you,

the friends and relatives of _______ and _______, support

and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to

come?

People We will.

THE MARRIAGE VOWS People sit.

Presider _______ and _______, I now invite you to join hands and

make your vows, in the presence of God, your parents and

the congregation.

The bridegroom and the bride face each other. The bridegroom takes the bride’s

right hand in his, and says, or to be led by the Presider:




to cherish, till death us do part. In the presence of God,

and with our family members and the congregation as

witnesses, I make this vow.






and to cherish, till death us do part. In the presence of

God, and with our family members and the congregation

as witnesses, I make this vow.

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Or, use the following vows: The newly-married couple face each other. The

bridegroom takes the bride’s right hand in his, and says, or to be led by the Presider:




to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s holy

law. In the presence of God, I make this vow.






and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God’s

holy law. In the presence of God, I make this vow.

They loose hands.

THE GIVING AND RECEIVING OF RING(S) The Presider receives the ring(s), and says this prayer:

Presider O God, by your blessing let this ring (these rings) be to

_______ and _______ a symbol of unending love and

faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant

which they have made this day through Jesus Christ our

Lord.

People Amen.

The bridegroom places the ring on the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand and,


Bridegroom _______, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.




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The bride places the ring on the fourth finger of the bridegroom’s left hand and,


Bride _______, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.




THE PROCLAMATION

Presider In the presence of God, and before this congregation,

_______and _______ have given their consent and made

their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their

marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and

receiving of ring(s). I therefore proclaim that they are

husband and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the

Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Presider joins their hands together and says:

Those whom God has joined together let no one put

asunder.

Facing the newly-married couple, the Presider represents the

congregation to say:

May your hearts be united as one.

or the following:

May the grace and peace of God be always with you.

If the face of the bride is still veiled, the bridegroom shall unveil it at this moment.

The Presider invites the congregation to stand to celebrate the couple’s marriage

with applause.

The Presider shall then lead the newly-married couple to proceed into the chancel.

A hymn or psalm may be sung, or the Presider or a person appointed may read a

psalm.

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PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS

INTERCESSIONS Either Form 1 or 2 of the intercessory prayers may be used. The Intercessor may be

a church member, or a family member or friend of the newly-married couple who is

a Christian.

All stand. While the people are singing or a person appointed is reading a psalm,

the Presider leads the couple into the sanctuary or the chancel. The couple kneel

before the altar.

Form 1

Intercessor Faithful God, holy and eternal, source of life and spring of

love, we thank and praise you for bringing _______ and

_______ to this day, and we pray for them.



Intercessor May their marriage be life-giving and life-long, enriched

by your presence and strengthened by your grace; may they

bring comfort and confidence to each other in faithfulness

and trust.



Intercessor May the hospitality of their home bring refreshment and

joy to all around them; may their love overflow to

neighbours in need and embrace those in distress.



Intercessor May they discern in your word order and purpose for their

lives; and may the power of your Holy Spirit lead them in

truth and defend them in adversity.



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Intercessor May they nurture their family with devotion, see their

children grow in body, mind and spirit and come at last to

the end of their lives with hearts content and in joyful

anticipation of heaven.



Form 2

Intercessor Eternal God, look upon _______ and _______ in the new

life which they begin together this day. Keep them faithful

to the vows they have made one to the other. Strengthen

them in whatever difficulties and frustrations they may

encounter. And with your faithfulness and mercy, let your

peace be with them, now and always.

People Amen.

Intercessor Most merciful God, give them devotion in the ordering of

their common life, that each may be to the other a strength

in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow,

and a companion in joy.

People Amen.

Intercessor Righteous God, give them wisdom and knowledge, that in

this ever changing world they may be able to discern truth

from lies and never get lost, and be able to understand and

care for the need of others.

People Amen.

Intercessor God of all creation, may you bless this couple with the

gift and care of children, that their home may be a place

of love, security, and truth, and their children grow up to

know and love you in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

People Amen.

Intercessor Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, uphold their family, give

them grace to minister to others, and grant that by deed

and word they may be witnesses of your saving love to

those whom they live.

People Amen.

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Intercessor Lord of love, grant that all married persons who have

witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and

their families consolidated.

People Amen.

BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE

Presider Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender

love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born

of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be

the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the

union of man and woman in your Name. By the power of

your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing

upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every

enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each

other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their

shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in

their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping

and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in

their life and in their life after. Finally, in your mercy, bring

them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your

heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with

you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever

and ever.

People Amen.

Presider God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless,

preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the

riches of his grace, that you may please him both in body

and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive

the blessings of eternal life.

People Amen.

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DISMISSAL

WORDS OF THANKS TO THE PARENTS The newly-married couple presents their words of thanks to their parents (and

family members). After this, they may present their gifts to their parents.

A hymn or choral singing may follow.

THE REGISTRATION The Bridegroom, the bride, their parents (or witnesses) and the Presider sign the

Certificate of Marriage.

Choral singing is suggested during the Registration period, or a hymn is to be sung

after the Registration.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Presider As our Savior Jesus Christ has taught us, we now pray:

All Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your

kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we

forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into

temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the

power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

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THE BENEDICTION

Presider May God bless you and keep you; may God make his face

to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; may God lift up

his countenance upon you, and give you peace; and the

blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

People Amen.

or:

Presider God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,

defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace;

and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and

the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

People Amen.

As the newly-married couple leaves the church, a hymn may be sung or instrumental

music may be played.

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Appendix (I)：Readings for Marriage Service (Rite II)

A. The Old Testament and the Apocrypha

Genesis 1:26-28 [26-29, 31] Theme：In God’s image and likeness

26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our

likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the

birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the

earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ 27 So God

created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male

and female he created them. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be

fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over

the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing

that moves upon the earth.’

【29 God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon

the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have

them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air,

and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of

life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31 God saw

everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was

evening and there was morning, the sixth day. 】(NRSV)

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 Theme：Husband and wife becoming one flesh

4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were

created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 when

no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet

sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and

there was no one to till the ground; 6 but a stream would rise from the earth,

and water the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed man

from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;

and the man became a living being. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in

Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of

the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight

and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree

of the knowledge of good and evil.

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it

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and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, ‘You may freely eat

of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and

evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’ 18 Then

the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make

him a helper as his partner.’ 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed

every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the

man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living

creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the

birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was

not found a helper as his partner. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to

fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its

place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he

made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, ‘This

at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called

Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.’ 24 Therefore a man leaves his

father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

(NRSV)

Song of Songs 2:10-13；8:6-7 Theme：Many waters cannot quench love

2:10 My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, and

come away; 11 for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. 12 The

flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of

the turtledove is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the

vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair

one, and come away.

8:6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is

strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire,

a raging flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown

it. If one offered for love all the wealth of one’s house, it would be utterly

scorned. (NRSV)

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Song of Songs 2:8-14 Theme：My love, my fair one

8 The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains,

bounding over the hills. 9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look,

there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through

the lattice. 10 My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my fair

one, and come away; 11 for now the winter is past, the rain is over and

gone. 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come,

and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth

its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my

love, my fair one, and come away. 14 O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in

the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your

voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. (NRSV)

Ruth 1:16-17 Theme：Where you go, I go

16 But Ruth said, ‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from

following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your

people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will

die—there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as

well, if even death parts me from you!’ (NRSV)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Theme：Two have a good reward

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10

For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and

falls and does not have another to help. 11 Again, if two lie together, they

keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though one might

prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not

quickly broken. (NRSV)

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Tobit 8:5b-8 Theme：May we grow older

5b Tobias began by saying, ‘Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and

blessed is your name in all generations for ever. Let the heavens and the

whole creation bless you for ever. 6 You made Adam, and for him you made

his wife Eve as a helper and support. From the two of them the human race

has sprung. You said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; let us

make a helper for him like himself.” 7 I now am taking this kinswoman of

mine, not because of lust, but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find

mercy and that we may grow old together.’ 8 And they both said, ‘Amen,

Amen.’ (NRSV)

B. Epistles

Romans 12:4-13 Theme：Sharing in love

4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have

the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and

individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ

according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7

ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in

exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the

compassionate, in cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold

fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one

another in showing honour.11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the

Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13

Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (NRSV)

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1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Theme：The greatest is love

12:31 But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more

excellent way. 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do

not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have

prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I

have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am

nothing. 3If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so

that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love

is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist

on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;6 it does not rejoice in

wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies,

they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge,

it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in

part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like

a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now

we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only

in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13And now

faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

(NRSV)

Ephesians 3:14-19 Theme：Love is deep and wide

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every

family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the

riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner

being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your

hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray

that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the

breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ

that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of

God. (NRSV)

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Ephesians 4:1-6 Theme：The bond of peace

1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the

calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness,

with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to

maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4 There is one body and

one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord,

one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and

through all and in all. (NRSV)

Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 Theme：Love as Christ loves us

5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice

to God.

21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, be subject

to your husbands as you are to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of

the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the

Saviour. 24 Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be,

in everything, to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ

loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 in order to make her holy

by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, 27 so as to present

the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of

the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same

way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who

loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own body, but he

nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30

because we are members of his body. 31 ‘For this reason a man will leave his

father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one

flesh.’32 This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the

church.33Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife

should respect her husband. (NRSV)

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Philippians 1:9-11 Theme：Love overflowing with knowledge

and full insight

9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with

knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that

on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the

harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and

praise of God. (NRSV)

Philippians 4:4-9 Theme：Joyful in God

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness

be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but

in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests

be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just,

whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is

any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these

things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and

heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (NRSV)

Colossians 3:12-17 Theme：The love which binds together

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with

compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one

another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other;

just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.14 Above all,

clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect

harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed

you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of

Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom;

and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to

God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NRSV)

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1 John 3:18-24 Theme：Love in truth and action

18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and

action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will

reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God

is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts

do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from

him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what

pleases him.

23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his

Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.24 All

who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by

this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us. (NRSV)

1 John 4:7-16 Theme：Love is from God

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who

loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know

God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God

sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this

is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the

atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we

also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one

another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know

that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14

And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the

Saviour of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the

Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the

love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in

God, and God abides in them. (NRSV)

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C. Gospels

Matthew 5:1-10 Theme：The true blessed

5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat

down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them,

saying: 3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 ‘Blessed are the

meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst

for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they

will receive mercy. 8 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of

God.10 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for

theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NRSV)

Matthew 5:13-16 Theme：Be salt and light

13 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its

saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and

trampled under foot. 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill

cannot be hidden.15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel

basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the

same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good

works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (NRSV)

Matthew 7:21, 24-29 Theme：Hearing and doing

21 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of

heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

24 ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be

like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came,

and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had

been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and

does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27

The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that

house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ 28 Now when Jesus had finished

saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he

taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. (NRSV)

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Mark 10:6-9, 13-16 Theme：What God has joined together

6 But from the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female.” 7

“For this reason a man shzall leave his father and mother and be joined to his

wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but

one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’

13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch

them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he

was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop

them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell

you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never

enter it.’ 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and

blessed them. (NRSV)

Luke 12:22-31 Theme：Do not worry about life

22 He said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more

than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they

neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds

them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And can any of you

by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26 If then you are not able

to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider

the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even

Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so

clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and

tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you

of little faith! 29 And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what

you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world

that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31

Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

(NRSV)

46

Luke 12:32-34 Theme：Where your treasure is, there your heart will be

32 ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give

you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for

yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no

thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there

your heart will be also. (NRSV)

John 2:1-11 Theme：A wedding feast

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of

Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the

wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They

have no wine.’ 4 And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you

and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ 5 His mother said to the servants, ‘Do

whatever he tells you.’ 6 Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the

Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said

to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He

said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they

took it. 9 When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did

not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water

knew), the steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, ‘Everyone

serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have

become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ 11 Jesus did this,

the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his

disciples believed in him. (NRSV)

47

John 15:1-8 Theme：Bearing fruit

‘1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. 2 He removes every

branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to

make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I

have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot

bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide

in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in

them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever

does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches

are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my

words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my

disciples. (NRSV)

John 15:9-12 Theme：Love one another

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you

keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my

Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to

you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 ‘This

is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (NRSV)

D. Psalms

Psalm 37:3-7 Theme：Trust in the Lord

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy

security.

4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your

cause like the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those

who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. (NRSV)

48

Psalm 67 Theme：God be gracious to us and bless us

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon

us,

2 that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all

nations.

3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with

equity and guide the nations upon earth.

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.

7 May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.

(NRSV)

Psalm 121 Theme：The Lord is your keeper

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?

2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

4 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on

and for evermore. (NRSV)

Psalm 127 Theme：Children are a heritage from the Lord

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.

Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of

anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to

shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (NRSV)

49

Psalm 128 Theme：The happy home of the faithful

1 Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways.

2 You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be happy,

and it shall go well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will

be like olive shoots around your table.

4 Thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.

5 The Lord bless you from Zion. May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

all the days of your life.

6 May you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel! (NRSV)

Psalm 148:1-6 Theme：Alleluia

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the

heights!

2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!

3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!

4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they

were created.

6 He established them for ever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which

cannot be passed. (NRSV)

50

Appendix (II)：Hymns for Marriage Service

As man and woman we were made [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 469]

As man and woman we were made that love be found and life begun,

So praise the Lord Who made us two, and praise the Lord when two are one;

Praise for the love that comes to life through child or parent, husband, wife.

Now Jesus lived and gave His love to make our life and loving new;

So celebrate with Him today and drink the joy He offers you;

That makes the simple moment shine and changes water into wine.

And Jesus died to live again, so praise the love that, come what may,

Can bring the dawn and clear the skies, and waits to wipe all tears away;

And let us hope for what shall be, believing where we cannot see.

Then spread the table, clear the hall, and celebrate till day is done;

Let peace go deep between us all and joy be shared by everyone;

Laugh and make merry with your friends, and praise the love that never ends!

Come, let us all renew the vows [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 468]

Come, let us all renew the vows that bind us to the Lord:

The vows in childhood made for us by those who loved and cared:

The vows that mark discipleship in eager youth or age;

And covenants that yearly chart our lifelong pilgrimage.

But chiefly now we call to mind those marriage vows we take

Of steadfast love and loyalty, each for the other's sake.

Partners for life, let us renew these strong and tender ties,

For loyalty is not enough, and love, neglected, dies.

Come, let us trust our loving God, who cleanses mind and heart

Of ills that wreck our private lives, and tear the world apart:

Who bids us, in the day's affairs, pursue His Perfect way,

And build, with true fidelity, that world for which we pray.

51

Come down, O Love divine [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 307]

Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,

And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.

O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,

And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.

O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn

To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;

And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,

And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,

And lowliness become mine inner clothing;

True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,

And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,

Shall far outpass the power of human telling;

For none can guess its grace, till he become the place

Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.

Others：Sounds of Grace (1991) 212

Come, Lord Jesus, to this place [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 470]

Come, Lord Jesus, to this place. Cheer it, fill it, with Your grace;

Guest and friend, none more desired, Bless the vows by You inspired.

Witness of this moment rare. Free from sorrow, free from care;

For the years that lie ahead; promised joy and promised bread.

Seal the love that makes them one. Love their never setting sun,

Love enough to face all fears, love enough to dry all tears.

As You love the Church, Your Bride, in such love may they abide;

As Your Bride is bound to You, keep them faithful, Lord and true.

52

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 76]

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost, taught by thee, we covet most

of thy gifts at Pentecost, holy, heavenly love.

Love is kind, and suffers long, love is meek, and thinks no wrong,

love than death itself more strong; therefore give us love.

Prophecy will fade away, melting in the light of day;

love will ever with us stay; therefore give us love.

Faith will vanish into sight; hope be emptied in delight;

love in heaven will shine more bright; therefore give us love.

Faith and hope and love we see joining hand in hand agree;

but the greatest of the three, and the best, is love.

Other：Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) 65

Great is thy faithfulness [Sounds of Grace (1991) 30]

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

[Chorus] Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

53

Happy the home that welcomes you [Sounds of Grace (1991) 278]

Happy the home that welcomes You, Lord Jesus,

Truest of friends, most honored guest of all,

Where hearts and eyes are bright with joy to greet You,

Your lightest wishes eager to fulfill.

Happy the home where men and wife together

Are of one mind believing in Your love:

Through love and pain, prosperity and hardship,

Through good and evil days Your care they prove.

Happy the home, O loving Friend of children,

Where they are giv’n to You with hands of prayer,

Where at Your feet they early learn to listen

To Your own words, and thank You for Your care.

Happy the home where work is done to please you,

In tasks both great and small, that you may see

Your servants doing all as you would wish them

As members of your household, glad and free.

Happy the home that knows your healing comfort,

Where, unforgotten, every joy you share,

Until they all, their work on earth completed,

Come to you Father’s house to meet you there.

Happy the home when God is there [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 532]

Happy the home when God is there, and love fills every breast;

when one their wish, and one their prayer, and one their heavenly rest.

Happy the home where Jesus' name is sweet to every ear;

where children early speak his fame, and parents hold him dear.

Happy the home where prayer is heard, and praise is wont to rise;

where parents love the sacred Word and all its wisdom prize.

Lord, let us in our homes agree this blessed peace to gain;

unite our hearts in love to thee, and love to all will reign.


54

In heavenly love abiding [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 708]

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear;

and safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here:

the storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid;

but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Wherever he may guide me, no want shall turn me back;

my Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack:

his wisdom ever waketh, his sight is never dim,

he knows the way he taketh, and I will walk with him.

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen;

bright skies will soon be o'er me, where darkest clouds have been;

my hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free;

my Saviour has my treasure, and he will walk with me.

Others：Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) 284, Hymns of Universal Praise

(1977) 355, Sounds of Grace (1991) 334

Jesus, the Lord of love and life [Sounds of Grace (1991) 277]

Jesus the Lord of love and life, draw near to bless this man and wife;

as they are now in love made one, let your good will for them be done.

Give them each day your peace and joy. Let no dark clouds these gifts destroy;

in growing trust may love endure, to keep their marriage - bond secure.

As they have vowed to have and hold, each by the other be consoled;

in wealth or want, in health or pain, till death shall part, let love remain.

Deepen, O Lord, their love for you, and in that love, their own renew;

each in the other find delight, as lives and interests now unite.

Be to them both a guide and friend, through all the years their home defend;

Jesus the Lord of love and life, stay near and bless this man and wife.

55

Let there be love [Sounds of Grace (1991) 261]

Let there be love shared among us, let there be love in our eyes.

May now your love sweep the churches, cause us O Lord to arrive.

Give us a fresh understanding of brotherly love that is real.

Let there be love shared among us, let there be love

Other：Joyful Praise (2001) 79

Lord for the years [Sounds of Grace (1991) 407]

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,

urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,

sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:

Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,

speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,

teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us:

Lord of the word, receive your people's praise.

Lord, for our land in this our generation,

spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:

for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,

Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world where men disown and doubt you,

loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,

hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:

Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us-

self on the cross, and Christ upon the throne,

past put behind us, for the future take us:

Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.

May the grace of Christ our Saviour [Sounds of Grace (1991) 275]

May the grace of Christ our Savior and the Father's boundless love

with the Holy Spirit's favor, rest upon us from above.

Thus may we abide in union with each other and the Lord,

and possess, in sweet communion, joys which earth cannot afford.

56

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us [Sounds of Grace (1991) 271]

Lord Jesus Christ you have come to us. You are one with us, Mary’s Son.

Cleansing our souls from all their sin pouring Your love and goodness in

Jesus our love for you we sing, living Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ now and every day teach us how to pray, Son of God.

You have commanded us to do this in remembrance Lord of you

Into our lives your power breaks through, living Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us. Born as one with us, Mary’s Son.

Led out to die on Calvary, risen from death to set us free,

living Lord Jesus help us see You are Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ I would come to you live my life for you, Son of God.

All your commands I know are true, your many gifts will make me new,

into my life your power breaks through, living Lord.

Other：Joyful Praise (2001) 9

Lord, who at Cana's wedding feast [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 268]

Lord, who at Cana’s wedding feast, didst as a Guest appear,

Thou dearer far than earthly guest, vouchsafe Thy presence here;

For holy Thou indeed dost prove the marriage vow to be,

Proclaiming it a type of love between the Church and Thee.

This holy vow that man can make, the golden thread in life.

The bond that none may dare to break, that bindeth man and wife,

Which, blest by Thee, whate’er betide, no evil shall destroy,

Through careworn days each care divides, and doubles every joy.

On those who now before Thee kneel, O Lord, Thy blessing pour,

That each may wake the other’s zeal to love Thee more and more;

Oh, grant them here in peace to live, in purity and love,

And, this world leaving, to receive a crown of life above.


57

Love divine, all loves excelling [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 49]

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down;

Fix in us thy humble dwelling; All thy faithful mercies crown!

Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation; enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit, into every troubled breast!

Let us all in Thee inherit; let us find that second rest.

Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith, as its Beginning, set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all Thy life receive;

Suddenly return and never, never more Thy temples leave.

Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above,

Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see Thy great salvation perfectly restored in Thee;

Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before Thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Others： Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) 291, Hymns of Universal Praise

(1977) 363, Sounds of Grace (1991) 88/89

Make me a channel of your peace [Joyful Praise (2001) 56]

Make me a channel of your peace, where there is hatred, let me bring Your love,

Where there is injury, Your pardon Lord, and where there's doubt, true faith in You.

Make me a channel of your peace, Where there's despair in life let me bring hope,

Where there is darkness - only light, and where there's sadness, ever joy

Make me a channel of your peace, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

In giving to all men that we receive, and in dying that we're born to eternal life

[Chorus] Oh Master, grant that I may never seek,

So much to be consoled as to console,

To be understood, as to understand,

To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Other：Sounds of Grace (1991) 300

58

Not for tongues of heaven's angels [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 471]

Not for tongues of heaven's angels, not for wisdom to discern,

not for faith that masters mountains, for this better gift we yearn:

may love be ours, O Lord.

Love is humbles, love is gentle, love is tender, true, and kind;

love is gracious, ever patient, generous of heart and mind:


Never jealous, never selfish, love will not rejoice in wrong;

never boastful nor resentful, love believes and suffers long:


In the day this world is fading, faith and hope will play their part;

but when Christ is seen in glory, love shall reign in every heart:


Now thank we all our God [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 350]

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,

Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;

Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,

With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;

And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;

And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;

The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;

The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.


(1977) 349, Sounds of Grace (1991) 14, Joyful Praise (2001) 38

59

O Father, all creating [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 269]

O Father, all creating, whose wisdom, love, and power

First bound two lives together in Eden’s primal hour,

Today to these your children your earliest gifts renew:

A home by you made happy, a love by you kept true.

With good wine, Lord, at Cana, the wedding feast you blessed.

Grant also these your presence, and be their dearest guest.

Their store of earthly gladness transform to heavenly wine,

And teach them, in the testing, to know the gift divine.

O Spirit of the Father, breathe on them from above,

So mighty in your pureness, so tender in your love

That, guarded by your presence and kept from strife and sin,

Their hearts may sense your guidance and know you dwell within.

Unless you build it, Father, the house is built in vain;

Unless you, Savior, bless it, the joy will turn to pain.

But nothing breaks a marriage of hearts in you made one;

The love your Spirit hallows is endless love begun.

Through all the changing scenes of life [Sounds of Grace (1991) 351]

Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy,

The praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ.

O magnify the Lord with me, with me exalt His Name;

When in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp around the dwellings of the just;

Deliverance He affords to all who on His succor trust.

O make but trial of His love; experience will decide

How blest are they, and only they, who in His truth confide.

Fear Him, ye saints, and you will then have nothing else to fear;

Make you His service your delight; your wants shall be His care.

60

O God, who gave humanity its name [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 473]

O God, You give humanity its name,

Your covenant of grace remains the same;

Be with these two who now before You wait;

Enlarge the love they come to consecrate.

May through their union other lives be blessed,

Their door be wide to stranger and to guest;

Give them the understanding that is kind;

Grant them the blessing of an open mind.

Preserve their days from inwardness of heart:

To each the gift of truthfulness impart.

Their bond be strong against all strain and strife

Amid the changes of this earthly life.

From stage to stage on life's unfolding way

Bring to their mind the vows they make this day;

Your Spirit be their guide in every move,

Their faith in Christ the basis of their love.

Lord, bless us all to whom this day brings joy,

Let no events our unity destroy.

And help us, till all sense of time is lost,

To live and love and not to count the cost.

Your love, O God, has called us here [Sounds of Grace (1991) 279]

Your love, O God, has called us here,

for all love finds its source in you,

the perfect love that casts out fear,

the love that Christ makes ever new.

O gracious God, you consecrate

all that is lovely, good, and true.

Bless us who in your presence wait,

our trust in your desires renew.

Your love will send us from this place;

reveal your will in all we do,

that every path of love we trace

may show the world its source in you.

61

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending [Hymns of Universal Praise

(2006) 466]

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,

lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne,

that theirs may be the love which knows no ending,

whom thou forevermore dost join in one.

O perfect Life, be thou their full assurance,

of tender charity and steadfast faith,

of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,

with childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.

Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;

grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,

and to life's day the glorious unknown morrow

that dawns upon eternal love and life.


(1977) 267, Sounds of Grace (1991) 276

The Lord's my shepherd [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 29]

The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want.

he makes me down to lie in pastures green; he leadeth me the quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again; and me to walk doth make

within the paths of righteousness, even for his own Name's sake.

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, yet will I fear no ill;

for thou art with me; and thy rod and staff my comfort still.

My table thou hast furnished in presence of my foes;

my head thou dost with oil anoint, and my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me;

and in God's house forevermore my dwelling place shall be.

Others：Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) 27, Sounds of Grace (1991) 317

62

O praise ye the Lord [Sounds of Grace (1991) 27]

O praise ye the Lord! praise Him in the height;

Rejoice in His Word, ye angels of light;

Ye heavens, adore Him by Whom ye were made,

And worship before Him in brightness arrayed.

O praise ye the Lord! Praise Him upon earth,

In tuneful accord, ye sons of new birth;

Praise Him Who hath brought you His grace from above,

Praise Him Who hath taught you to sing of His love.

O praise ye the Lord! All things that give sound;

Each jubilant chord re-echo around;

Loud organs, His glory forth tell in deep tone,

And sweet harp, the story of what He hath done.

O praise ye the Lord! Thanksgiving and song

To Him be outpoured all ages along!

For love in creation, for Heaven restored,

For grace of salvation, O praise ye the Lord!

Amen! Amen!

To God be the glory [Sounds of Grace (1991) 66]

To God be the glory, great things He has done;

so loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

and opened the life gate that all may go in.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

to every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,

and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport,

when Jesus we see.

[Chorus] Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

63

O worship the King all glorious above [Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 7]

O worship the King, all glorious above;

O gratefully sing his power and his love;

our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,

pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise.

O tell of his might, O sing of his grace,

whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;

his chariots of wrath the deep thunder clouds form,

and dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

The earth with its store of wonders untold,

Almighty, thy power hath founded of old;

hath stablished it fast by a changeless decree,

and round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.

Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?

It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;

it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,

and sweetly distils in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;

thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,

Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

O measureless might, ineffable love,

while angels delight to hymn thee above,

thy humbler creation, though feeble their lays,

with true adoration shall sing to thy praise.

Others：Hymns of Universal Praise (1936) 7, Sounds of Grace (1991) 20

64

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven [Sounds of Grace (1991) 23]

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven; to His feet thy tribute bring.

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore His praises sing:

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor to our fathers in distress.

Praise Him still the same as ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.

Fatherlike He tends and spares us; well our feeble frame He knows.

In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore Him; Ye behold Him face to face;

Sun and moon, bow down before Him, dwellers all in time and space.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.

Others：Hymns of Universal Praise (1977) 23, Hymns of Universal Praise (1936)

20, Joyful Praise (2001) 4

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 19]

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!

Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;

tender to me the promise of his word;

in God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his Name!

Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;

his mercy sure, from age to age to same;

his holy Name--the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!

Powers and dominions lay their glory by.

Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,

the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!

Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord

to children's children and for evermore!

Others：Sounds of Grace (1991) 70, Joyful Praise (2001) 5

65

The King of love my shepherd is [Hymns of Universal Praise (2006) 35]

The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never,

I nothing lack if I am His and He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul He leadeth,

And where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me,

And on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with Thee, dear Lord, beside me;

Thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth;

And O what transport of delight from Thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days thy goodness faileth never;

Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise within Thy house forever.


(1977) 28, Sounds of Grace (1991) 332

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